IMPROVING ROADS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20172, 5 February 1929, Page 11

IMPROVING ROADS.

HIGHWAYS BOARD'S POLICY.

lARGE EXPENDITURE FIXED.

USE OF PETROL TAX FUNDS

PROBLEM OF SECONDARY ROUTES

The effect of heavy tourist traffic on the roads in the Waitakcro Ranges was placed before the Main Highways Board by deputations of settlers yesterday. On behalf of the Titirangi Ratepayers' Association, the chairman, Mr. J. Grierson, said tho settlers had considered a comprehensive loading scheme for the district, which included tho concreting ot the road from New Lvnn. They wished to know to what extent (ho hoard was willing to contribute. The settlers were prepared to raise a loan up to a quarter of tho cost. Ho referred to tho amount of tourist traffic, and said (he Auckland C'ity Council used (he road (o a great ostent, and contributed practically nothing.

The programme of improvements to tho radiating roads from the cities for the next five years had already been approved, said the acting-chairman of tho board, Mr. A. E. Jull, and this road. was not included. ' He hoped they would get a promise of co-operation from tho New Lynn Town Board, which, he understood, was forthcoming. Personally, he thought they had a good case. Larger Subsidy Sought. At Henderson the board was met by members of the Waitakere Ratepayers' Association, and Mr. H. Paltridge, member of the Waitemata County Council for the district. The Henderson Valley Road was the first considered. It was stated the road led to a favourite picnic ground, »iid would not stand the wear of tourist traffic. It had been declared a secondary highway, a;id it was desired that it should be put on the list of urgent works. An endeavour would be mado to raise a loan if a subsidy of £4 for £1 was obtainable from the board. Assistance was also sought for improving the Forest Hill Road, which, it was stated, was being torn to pieces by tourist traffic and the milling industry. The route was the, most favoured by motorists for reaching the hills.

Representations were made by members of the Swansotl Ratepayers' Association for assistance in improving the SwansonKumeu Road, similar reasons being advanced for its deterioration.

Operations of Board. The application for making the Forest Ilill Road a secondary highway would he considered when a review was made of all roads in March or April next, said Mr. Juli. There had been complaints, that substantial assistance was being given for work on the main roads, and none for the others, but 4000 miles of secondary Toads had been formed. He did not think any consideration would be given for constructive work, as the primary object was to assist in maintenance. To grant their request for a subsidy on a £3 for £1 basis, instead of £2 for £l, as at present, would mean a rearrangement of the subsidy contributions. Mr. .Full' referred to the large amount of tourist traffic using the roads, but lie pointed out that the tourist was contributing to the petrol tax. 'J here was every desire on the part of the Main Highways Board to help the settlers, but the board had a programme involving £2.250.000 this year alone. While there liad been an accumulation of funds from the petrol tax, the programme of work would quickly consume these funds. Inc. introduction of a £3 for £1 subsidy on secondary roads where it was not warranted would involve the board in a veiv serious responsibility, as it would mean an immediate demand for such a subsidy throughout the Dominion.